Improving the performance of solar photovoltaic thermal cells using jet impingement and phase change materials cooling technology

Abstract

PV/T is designed to convert solar radiation into electricity energy; however, as the temperature rises, their efficiency decreases. This study evaluates experimentally and numerically the performance of PV/T systems. Two cooling methods were used: air jets for enhanced heat transfer and phase change material (PCM) as an energy storage source. Four cases were compared: case A (with PCM and jet), case B (with PCM, without jet), case C (without PCM, with jet), and case D (no cooling). The results were validated by experimental measurements under a solar simulator and the comparison between the experimental and numerical results is satisfactory. The findings show that case A (with PCM and jet) reduced the PV temperature by 21 °C and improved the electrical efficiency by 7.2 % compared with case D (no cooling). The highest electric and thermal efficiency of the PV/T system reached were 12.94 % and 79.1 % respectively at higher air flow rates in case A (with PCM and jet). The novelty of present study is the combination of jet impingement and phase change material, which can provide high electric and thermal efficiencies and allows 2 h’ work after sunset.